Protein Skimmer Advice

Hello everyone - I'm in the process of looking for a good protein skimmer, and I'd prefer to keep it under $100.

Current setup -

30 Gallon
2x24 T5 HO (adding a second 2x24 this week)
Whisper 60 Filter
50lbs Live Sand
30 pounds Live Rock

Water - pH 8.3, Nitrite 0, Ammonia 0, Nitrate 40, Salinity 1.028

Inhabitants -
3 Turbos
9 Blue leg hermits
2 Yellow Tail Damsels
1 Maroon Clown
1 Green Bubble Tip Anemone

All are doing well, but I need something to keep the nitrates down and I'm hoping that a protein skimmer will help do the trick - what would you guys recommend - I would need an over the back unit as I don't have a sump; I don't need anything that's overkill, just something that has good value for the $$. Maybe someone even has a used one for sale?

Thanks!
Zach

 

That $100 price limit is going to make it hard.... Also, your SG is a tad high for me, I prefer 1.025.

Have you looked at the Warner Marine brand yet? WM, CPR, and AquaC Remora seem to be the consensus brands for hang on skimmers.

 

Good luck finding a new one for under a hundred. Good stuff costs good money, sorry.
If your willing to go over a little, I recommend the Octopus BH-100F. Its killer. I love mine.

 

Coralife super skimmer 65 maybe? It's for HOB or sump. Search google, amazon, yahoo shopping etc for the best price. It won't be much more than $100, since I got the Coralife 125 for about $130.

 

$100 is more a guideline - over, under, but somewhere near Frankly, I'm confused as to the discussions regarding them, some people are advocates, some aren't, etc. I'm trying to find a way to keep my nitrates under 20, without having to do water changes a couple times a week. Each weekend would be great.

 

My nitrates were at about 40-60 in my heavily-stocked 40 gal when I didnt have a skimmer. I got my octopus maybe 2 months ago? I have had 0 nitrates since the skimmer has been up and running. I paid $135 for it.
Get an octopus. You will be happy ;D

 

A skimmer is not going to do anything for your nitrates directly. It will in the long run by helping take out waste before it gets a chance to rot. But you will need to do a few water changes to get the levels down.

Now a skimmer for under $100......You can do it, but they tend to be junk. There are two HOB skimmers that are very good. The AquaC Remora and the Octopus BH-100F. Look into both. If you have to save up, do it. It will be worth it in the long run. Stay away from CPR. I have heard sooooo many people complain about theirs. A few like them, but generally, the reviews have been negative.

And overkill with a skimmer is good. Very good. Just because people tend to overstock their tanks and need the extra help with waste management.

 

Thanks for the advice guys! I think I might get the Octopus at this point. I'll check around for some good pricing - I appreciate everyone's response!